There is a good reason why Harley-Davidson is the default choice for cruiser motorcycle fanatics. Its products are quite unique, and of late, some of them have become quite good value as well. At the same time, buying American has its share of downsides as well. One of these is the high MSRP, particularly if you opt for the OG heavyweight Softail range. The badge commands a premium regardless of the feature set. Cashing in on this, other manufacturers have understood that there is a market for people who want a Harley but aren’t so brand loyal.
Bang for their buck is key, and they are willing to get what is best for them, regardless of the name on the tank. This has given rise to a number of H-D competitors. The Japanese all had (and still have) their answers to American Iron, while the Chinese are trying their hand at it as well. The biggest rivalry comes from Europe, though, and there is one model from Europe that makes a very good case for itself. This is the smart cruiser alternative that Harley buyers overlook.
The BMW R 18 Classic Is The Smart Cruiser Alternative Harley Buyers Overlook
Harley-Davidsons are great motorcycles. We can’t knock their heritage, the way they make you feel when you ride them, or their resale value. However, all of this comes at a price, and whether you’re willing to pay the premium they demand is a very personal choice. That’s why Harley is trying to reduce the MSRPs in recent times. Still, something like the Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic wants quite a premium, compared to the BMW R 18 Classic.
Both of these OG cruisers have massive twin-cylinder engines and gobs of torque. Both have all-day comfort and lean into it by providing a windshield and luggage. Yet, the Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic costs $22,999, which is a whopping $4,607 more than the base price of the R 18. You might argue the new 2026 MSRP is $19,999, but do remember that the base version doesn’t have any of the touring bits (windscreen, pillion saddle, or pillion footpegs).
BMW’s Biggest Boxer Engine
The R 18 range uses the same engine in the same state of tune. It is an air/oil-cooled boxer twin that displaces 1,802 cc, making it the biggest BMW boxer twin motorcycle engine in its history. It generates 91 horsepower and 120 pound-feet, even with a relatively low understressed compression ratio of 9.6:1. The Heritage Classic is a little larger, at 1,917 cc, which explains the higher power figure of 98 horsepower and an identical 120 pound-feet. A key difference is that the BMW has a DOHC setup, while the Harley has pushrods operating its overhead valves.
It must be noted that the Harley has self-adjusting valves, while the BMW needs adjustment every other service. This isn’t a big deal since it is a boxer engine, but the labor cost needs to be factored into the ownership cost. It has electronics like a by-wire throttle and ride modes, traction control, and engine drag torque control.
BMW R 18 Classic Transmission And Final Drive
Another unique thing about the R 18 engine is the fact that it uses a separate gearbox, unlike today’s unit construction engines. That means it is able to, and does, run a dry clutch. Both the BMW and the Harley use six-speed gearboxes, but go about providing all their torque to the rear wheel in different ways. The Harley uses a belt drive, while the BMW, with its longitudinal engin,e prefers an exposed Cardan shaft drive. They are equally good solutions for long rides because, unlike a chain, they will not need maintenance except at the scheduled services.
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A Traditional Frame Makes The R 18 B Really Long
The R 18 Classic has a traditional downtube frame, and the suspension consists of stretched-out 49 mm forks with 4.7 inches of travel at the front and a single shock with adjustable preload and 3.5 inches of travel at the rear. It uses a 19/16-inch alloy wheel configuration – meaning tubeless tires – with dual 300 mm front brake discs and another 300 mm brake disc (all with a four-piston fixed caliper). The brakes are partially integral, meaning using the handlebar-mounted lever actuates both brakes, but using the foot lever will only actuate the rear brake. ABS is standard.
BMW R 18 Classic Dimensions
The R 18 is a long bike, necessitated by the feet-forward position and the cylinders getting in the way of that position. It is fully 108 inches long (that’s 8.5 feet!) with a 68.1-inch wheelbase. But the seat is low at 28.7 inches. This is also a very heavy cruiser, with an 814-pound curb weight. It has a 4.2-gallon fuel tank, so it should go a reasonable distance between fill-ups unless ridden hard.
BMW R 18 Classic Features
The R 18 Classic leans into its retro theme with a circular analog speedometer and an LCD screen within it, at the bottom. The LCD shows information like the ride mode, odometer, tripmeter, and warning lights. There is no fuel gauge, but a low fuel warning appears on the display when the fuel reaches the reserve level. The display can also show the revs, although it is just a plain number, not a tachometer.
The standard features include a windshield, soft luggage, a 12V socket, and a USB charging port. You’ll have to spend nearly $1,000 for the Premium Package, which will add the hill hold assist, cornering headlamps, heated grips, and a locking fuel filler cap. Other options include different seats, tire pressure monitoring, and different color options. Oh, and like the Honda Gold Wing manual, BMW also uses the starter motor to provide reverse gear for the R 18 Classic. But it is an almost $1,000 option.
The Luxury Cruiser That Nails The Sweet Spot Between Affordability And Comfort
For under $17,000, you get an American V-twin cruiser with dollops of comfort and features
BMW R 18 Classic Competition
If you’re going American light tourer, Indian’s Super Chief is an option. It is an air-cooled engine, but it also has features like rear cylinder deactivation, which can make things more comfortable in the city or at slow speeds. However, we’re looking at a Harley competitor, so we have to look at the Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic. It has a larger, more powerful engine, is significantly lighter, and has a six-axis IMU. It also has features like hill hold assist as standard, so the price difference between the Harley and BMW isn’t as large as it looks at first glance.
BMW R 18 Classic Vs Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic
|
Model |
BMW R 18 Classic |
Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic |
|
Price |
$18,395 |
$22,999 |
|
Engine |
Longitudinal boxer twin |
45° V-twin |
|
Displacement |
1,802 cc |
1,923 cc |
|
Power |
91 HP @ 4,750 RPM |
98 HP @ 4,600 RPM |
|
Torque |
120 LB-FT @ 3,000 RPM |
120 LB-FT @ 2,500 RPM |
|
Final Drive |
Shaft |
Belt |
|
Curb Weight |
814 LBs (Wet) |
728 LBs (Wet) |
Source: BMW USA